Spousal support, or [[alimony]], is court ordered financial assistance one spouse may pay to the other after divorce. It is sometimes also referred to as "[[Maintenance|maintenance]]" The term "[[Marital Standard of Living|marital standard of living]]" is used to ensure that the supported spouse can maintain a lifestyle similar to what they had during the marriage. Courts consider this standard when determining the amount and duration of support, aiming to bridge the financial gap between the spouses and help the supported spouse maintain a comparable quality of life after the divorce. Adjustments may be made based on factors like income, assets, and changes in circumstances. See: [[Cal. Fam. Code § 4320]]